Session 3

14:00 - 18:00

Netherlands III

Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society
14:00 Opening: Prof. Akihiko Kondo, Kobe University
14:05 Dr. Hideki Fukuda, President of Kobe University“Innovative Bio-production in Kobe: iBioK”
14:15 Prof. Akihiko Kondo, Kobe University“Production of Bio-based Chemicals and Fuels from Biomass”
14:40 Prof. Ken-ichi Yoshida, Kobe University“Bacillus subtilis Cell Factory for scyllo-Inositol Production:
Discovery of an Inducible NADPH Regeneration”
15:05 Assoc. Prof. Tsutomu Tanaka, Kobe University“Bio-based Chemicals Producution from Oligosaccharidesby Engineered Bacterial Cells”
15:30 - Coffee Break 15:50 Prof. Dr. François Reniers, Vice-president of GREENWIN“Overview on Biomass Research in French Speaking Part of Belgium”
16:00 Prof.Em. dr.ir. Erick Vandamme, Ghent University“Biomass Research in Ghent University”
16:10 Prof. Dr. Jozef Anné, KU Leuven“Greener Industry with Improved Production Strains for Heterologous Proteins
Using Streptomyces Lividans as a Model”
16:35 Prof. dr. ir. Wim Soetaert, Ghent University“Bio Base Europe: Open Innovation and Education for the Biobased Economy”
17:00 Dr. ir. Inge Van Bogaert, Ghent University“Engineering of Candida Bombicola for the Production of Tailor-made Biosurfactants”
17:25 Prof. Dr. Philippe Dubois, Vice-rector of University of Mons UMONS“Bio-sourced Lactic Acid-based Polymers:
From Reactive Extrusion to High Performance Materials”
17:50 Summary

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The theme of session 3 was Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society. Participants were researchers from Kobe University, Ghent
University, KU Leuven, Université Libre de Bruxelles, and University of Mons. President Fukuda began the session by introducing Kobe
University’s collaborative research project “Innovative BioProduction Kobe.” Then distinguished researchers made presentations on various bio-production projects and educational programmes undertaken in the EU nations led by Belgium. The session became an opportunity for the participating researchers to ﬁnd many common interests with other researchers and seek ways to collaborate with each other.

Hideki Fukuda, Ph.D.
President of Kobe University“Innovative Bio-production in Kobe: iBioK”
To build a sustainable, low carbon society, shifting Green Innovation from the oil-refinery toAkihiko Kondo, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Chemical Science andEngineering
Director of Bioreﬁnery center, Kobe University“Production of Bio-based Chemicals andFuels from Biomass”

bio-refineries must a key area

To build an energy and materialof research. “Bio-refinery” is asecure future, we must pioneer

excellent technology to produce

the next generation of renew-

biofuels, bio-plastics, bio-fibres

able fuels and chemicals using

and bio-chemicals from biomass

environmentally-friendly produc-using carbon dioxide as a recyclable resource. iBioK hastion process. To meet this goals,

pioneered “BioProduction”, which can produce fuels andwe have promoted many kinds

chemicals from cellulosic biomass. A big paradigm shiftof research projects related themade possible by the iBioK project is the changing fromfield of bioproduction. One of the key technologies is celloil-dependent target products produced from oils to bio-surface display, which is a powerful tool to engineer andbased products.

functionalize many microorganisms. Using the technolo-

Introducing bio-based products into markets from iBioKgy, various kinds of functional proteins such as enzymes

achieves green innovation by shifting from oil-based

can be expressed on the cell surface without loss ofproducts to bio-based products. iBioK is concerned

their activities. The other key technology is synthetic bio-with the following three areas; bulk chemicals such asengineering, which is also powerful tool to engineer the“Biofuels and Biochemicals”, “Bioplastics and Biofibers”,

metabolic pathway for efficient and robust Bioproduction

and “BioFineChemicals” with high additional values.

from biomass.

Alcohols, diols, organic acids, diamines, amino acids,

Metabolic profiling and flux analysis allow to pathway op-

aromatic compounds have been produced as biofuels,

timization and pathway design for biofuels and biochem-biochemicals, bioplastics and biofibres with significant

icals production. We established the whole metabolites

impact. Value-added sugars, functional inositols, pep-

analysis system based on systematic bioengineering,tides, phospholipids have also been produced as BioFi-

which can accelerate the development of product yield,

neChemicals. As a fundamental technology, biomass

production speed, and the tolerance against some inhib-resouces, cellulases, bioreactors and separation proc-itor. We should proceed with bioproduction research andesses have been developed to widely diffuse iBioK Bio-practical realization more and more, to build sustainableProduction.

society.

Establishment of Bio-production can generate huge,
novel markets through a number of target products.
IBioK can potentially have a large impact on reducing oil
dependency, biomass conversion, reduced CO2 emissions, agricultural production, forestry and fishery industries.

13

Ken-ichi YOSHIDA, Ph.D.

Professor of Applied Microbiology, Department ofAgrobioscience, Graduate School of AgriculturalScience, Kobe University

Tsutomu TANAKA, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical
Science and Engineering, Graduate School ofEngineering, Kobe University“Bacillus subtilis Cell Factory for scylloInositol Production: Discovery of an Inducible
NADPH Regeneration”“Bio-based Chemicals Producution from
Oligosaccharides by Engineered BacterialCells”

Inositol stands for a class ofWe demonstrated direct assimila-compounds forming nine ster-tion of cellooligosaccharides andeoisomers through epimerization

xylooligosaccharides using beta-of the six hydroxyl-groups. myo-glucosidase (BGL) and beta-

Inositol (MI) is one of the iso-xylosidase co-displaying E. coli.

mers, most abundant in nature,

After screening active BGLs,

and supplied cheap from phytin

Tfu0937, which is a BGL fromin rice-bran. Some of the other

Thermobifida fusca YX, was suc-isomers are rare and thus very expensive but reported

cessfully displayed on the E. coli cell surface and direct-

to possess interesting biological functions for the treat-ly assimilated cellobiose as a carbon source. Then, we

ment of diseases difficult to treat. For instance, scyllo-screened for a suitable XYL for xylooligosaccharides as-Inositol (SI) is undergoing clinical investigation for thesimilation. Active XYL was successfully displayed on thetreatment of Alzheimer’s disease, as it has received fastE. coli cell surface and directly assimilated xylooligosac-track designation from the U.S. FDA. We demonstrated

charides as a carbon source. Finally, we created BGL/

that manipulating the inositol metabolism in Bacillus

XYL co-displaying E. coli and successfully demonstrated

subtilis enabled an efficient cell factory to covert cheap

co-assimilation of cellobiose/xylooligosaccharides mix-

MI to valuable SI, by which almost 50% of MI initiallyture as carbon sources without carbon catabolite repres-contained in the medium was converted to SI after 48-hsion. The engineered E. coli is a candidate for a platform

cultivation. Transcriptomic analyses were performed toof bio-chemicals production from biomass, and bio-understand the efficient bioconversion to reveal that achemical production is demonstrated. In addition, using

global change in metabolic pathways might occur to ful-similar approaches, we created BGL-displaying Coryne-

fill the demand of required coenzyme regeneration.

bacterium glutamicum and demonstrated Lysine production from cellobiose directly.

14ing) and Wim Soetaert (process integration and scale-Prof. Dr. François Reniers

Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Université Libre deBruxelles
Vice-president of GREENWIN

up). In addition, state-of-the-art tools are available forbiotechnological research, including a high-throughput
screening platform, software for in silico modelling and arange of fermentors with automated process control.
Recently, a Multidisciplinary Research Platform (MRP‘Ghent Bio-Economy’) has been established at Ghent“Overview on Biomass Research in French
Speaking Part of Belgium”

University that wants to bridge the gap between plant

Biomass is seen nowadays as ategrate the different steps of the biobased economy,

new renewable source of chemi-

i.e. from the primary production of plants, over the (bio)cals, materials, and energy. How-chemical conversion of biomass, to the management ofever, it is only one component ofwaste streams and the recycling of nutrients. Besides

a new approach of chemistry andthe sustainable production of biofuels, biochemicals

industrial processes, that focus

and biomaterials, the project also aims to alleviate thenowadays on concepts such asproblem of CO2 emissions by storing the unconverted

life cycle analysis, recycling, cra-biomass in the soil in the form of biochar.

(‘green’) and industrial (‘white’) biotechnology. To that
end, 12 different laboratories have joined forces to in-

dle to cradle, energy efficiency. A brief overview of thestatus of research involving biomass, and more generally sustainable chemistry, in the French speaking partof Belgium will be presented. The different funding agencies and their basic rules will be explained. The overview
identifies the actors (university laboratories, research

Prof. Dr. Jozef Anné

Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven,
Belgium

centres, private companies). Some recent research
projects will be highlighted.

Prof.Em. dr.ir. Erick Vandamme“Greener Industry with Improved Production
Strains for Heterologous Proteins Using
Streptomyces Lividans as a Model”
Both in molecular and medical

Centre of Expertise -Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis, Dept.Biochemical and Microbial
Technology, Fac.Bioscience Engineering,Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

research and in the bio-industry,
recombinant protein production is
an important tool, for which several prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems are available orbeing tested. Among the bacterial“Biomass Research at Ghent University”

systems applied as platform for

At the Centre for Industrial Bio-

the production of biopharmaceuticals and for industrial

technology and Biocatalysis (In-enzymes, Streptomyces is considered an attractive host,Bio), improved processes arebecause several strains have inherently a high secretion

being developed for the conver-capacity and low endogenous protease activity. Whilesion of renewable resources into

several proteins are secreted to commercially accept-

various biobased products, such

able levels using this host, some others are poorly se-

as prebiotic oligosaccharides,

creted, indicating the need for further optimization. Bot-

pharmaceutical glycosides andtlenecks can be located at different levels, ranging fromglycolipid surfactants. These goals can be achieved

transcription and translation of the heterologous gene tothanks to the collaboration of three research professors,

the secretion process and the secretome-metabolome

i.e. Tom Desmet (biocatalysis and enzyme engineering),

interactions.

Marjan De Mey (fermentation and metabolic engineer-

To get a better insight in possible bottlenecks, a systems

15biology approach could be helpful to identify genes/

opment of a sustainable biobased economy in Europe.

proteins with key roles in protein secretion and their in-

Bio Base Europe has built research and training facilities

terrelationship with cell growth, secretion stress control

for the biobased economy with an overall budget of 21

and energy production/consumption. Such informa-M€. The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a flexible and di-tion permits targeted manipulation of specific genes orversified pilot plant, capable of scaling up and optimisingmetabolic pathways for a better energy generation, anda broad variety of biobased processes up to the multi-

hence to make the system more sustainable.

ton scale. The pilot plant contains fermenters and chemical reactors up to 15 m3 scale, as well as a large varietyof equipment for biorefining and up- and down-stream

Prof. dr. ir. Wim Soetaert

Centre of Expertise for Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis (InBio.be)Ghent University, Faculty of BioScience Engineering

processing. The pilot plant is a one-stop-shop, capableof performing the entire value chain in a single plant,
from the green resources up to the final product. The
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a completely independentfacility that is operating according to the open innovation
model. As such, the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is open

“Bio Base Europe: Open Innovation andEducation for the Biobased Economy”

to all players of the bio-based economy that can use theThe bio-based economy isof training facilities for biobased activities, and is operat-strongly developing today as aing according to an open education model. Companies

consequence of the strong priceas well as schools can rent these facilities for tailor-

increase for fossil resources suchmade training programs of their personnel or students.

as petroleum, the drive towards

Bio Based Europe is an important building block for thesustainable production processes

development of the biobased economy in Europe. Thisand to reduce the emission ofresearch and training infrastructure is expected to im-greenhouse gases such as CO2.

prove economic growth, innovation and sustainable de-equipment to develop biobased products and processes.
The Bio Base Europe Training Center houses a number

The combination of these factors causes a strong pen-velopment. This will lead to a strong innovation dynamic,

etration of biobased products and processes in a mul-

a flood of new projects, diversified contacts, networking

titude of industrial sectors, particularly in the chemicaland collaboration and in general a reinforcement of theindustry, the energy sector, and the agro-industry. As aopen innovation and education model for biobased ac-consequence, the transition from a fossil-based econo-tivities.

my to a biobased economy has clearly begun.

More information on Bio Base Europe can be found on

The development of the biobased economy is seriouslywww.bbeu.org

handicapped by a number of problems. First of all there
is a serious gap in the innovation chain, caused by thelack of pilot and demonstration facilities. These facilities are required to scale up a process from a laboratory
setting to an industrial production plant. The lack of pilotfacilities for biobased processes seriously limits most industrial and academic players to realize their plans andto valorise their knowledge. As a second problem, there
is a general shortage of well-trained process operatorswith experience in biobased processes. Apart from agenerally decreasing interest for technical professions
by youth, the problem is reinforced through the lack ofspecific training facilities for biobased activities.
Bio Base Europe is a joint initiative by Europe, Belgium
and the Netherlands to alleviate these problems. They
have united their forces in order to speed up the devel-16

Dr. ir. Inge Van Bogaert

Centre of Expertise for Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis, Ghent University“Engineering of Candida Bombicola for theProduction of Tailor-made Biosurfactants”
The yeast Candida bombicola isable to synthesize and secrete
one of the most promising bio-Prof. Dr. Philippe Dubois

Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials,
Center of Innovation and Research in Materials &Polymers, Materials Research Institute, University ofMons UMONS“Bio-sourced Lactic Acid-based Polymers:
From Reactive Extrusion to High
Performance Materials”

surfactants or biological surface

Bio-sourced polymers, so-called

active agents: sophorolipids, andbioplastics, are currently receiving

this at economical relevant yields

considerable attention for applica-of over 400 g/L.

tions such as packaging films as

Just like their chemical counter-

well as textile fibers, and moreparts, biosurfactants such as sophorolipids find applica-

recently, as nanocomposites fortions in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and cleaning

durable technical applications inindustries. Furthermore, sophorolipids display specificautomotive and electronic indus-

biological properties. Biosurfactants produced by fer-tries.

mentation offer a worthy alternative to traditional sur-Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) certainly represents

factants, which are typically derived from non-renewable

one of the most investigated and industrially developed

petrochemical resources and may cause environmental

bioplastics. However, the use of PLAs is still restricted

problems due to their ecotoxicity and poor biodegrad-by their relatively high production cost and limited me-ability.

chanical properties compared to commodity (petro)

The large majority of the research on sophorolipids isplastics. In this contribution, we will show how reactive

conducted on optimization of the feeding strategy andextrusion (REx) technology can serve on the sustain-fermentation parameters, while the clarification of theability and future growth of high performance bioplastics

biosynthetic pathway remains mainly neglected. Yet,

like PLAs. First continuous PLA production throughinsight in the biochemical process is a fundamental

catalyzed ring-opening polymerization will be presented.

prerequisite for profound understanding, controlling andSubsequently, in order to better suit their properties toengineering of the production process. Therefore, we despecific applications, chemical modification of PLAs bynovo sequenced the full genome of the yeast and set up

reactive extrusion (e.g., internal plasticization via in situ

extensive transcriptomics and proteomics experiments.

reactive grafting) will be discussed. Furthermore, PLA-This among others resulted in the identification of the six

based nanocomposites have been prepared starting

sophorolipid core enzymes and research is ongoing on

from various (functionalized) nanoparticles such as or-their regulation and expression profiles.

gano-modified nanoclays and zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Finally, now the sophorolipid biochemical pathway is

In order to reach high thermo-mechanical, antibacterial,

identified and characterized, genetic engineering strate-

UV absorption and gas barrier properties, it is required

gies can be applied in order to produce new-to-nature

to properly control the interfacial compatibilization be-biosurfactants with novel properties, in this way broad-tween the finely dispersed nanofillers and the polyester

ening the application potential of biosurfactants. Several

matrix. This is precisely where REx can be useful paving

examples will be discussed.

the way to applications as high performance films andfibers.

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